La Gomera, San Sebastian - Canary Islands

The volcanic island La Gomera with a surface of approximately 150 sq mi is the second smallest island of the Canary Islands after El Hierro. La Gomera has approximately 25,000 citizens and the capital is San Sebastian. The highest point on La Gomera is the mountain Garajonay with a height of approximately 1 mile. Although La Gomera is a small island it still has 2 different climates. La Gomera has a dry South and wet North. These different climates are created by the trade winds. On average the climate on La Gomera is reasonable mild. During the winter the temperature won’t be less than 68°{/super]F (20[super]°C) and in the summer the temperature will be around 86°F (30°C). The lag of good beaches is abundantly compensated by the many sights and tourist attractions as for example Valle Gran Rey, La Calera and San Sebastian.

Sights and Tourist attractiosn

Parque Nacional de Garajonay

Parque Nacional de Garajonay is a national park in the middle of La Gomera. Parque Nacional de Garajonay has a surface of approximately 15.5 sq mi divided over several counties on the island. As of 1986 this park has been included on the Unesco World Heritage list. Parque Nacional de Garajonay has been named after de mountain Garajonay which is the highest point on La Gomera. At the park you will be able to see various flora and fauna, for example at the Bosque de Cedro. Parque Nacional de Garajonay is ideal for walking in a peaceful environment and enjoy the beautiful nature. In the summer of 2012 a large forest fire hit this area which destroyed approximately 10% of Parque Nacional de Garajonay. It will take approximately till 2040 before it’s restored.

Centro de Visitantes Juego de Bolas

Location : Parque Nacional de Garajonay | Category : Nature

Centro Visitantes is the main building at Parque Nacional de Garajonay located at the center of La Gomera. At the Centro de Visitantes Juego de Bolas you will receive information on geology, flora and fauna which can be found at Parque nacional de Garajonay and on La Gomera. At this building it is also possible to see a replica of a traditional farm.

Valle Gran Rey

Valle Gran Rey is an area on the Western part of La Gomera. Valle Gran Rey is a valley that runs from the center of the island to the sea. Valle Gran Rey can only be reached through the mountains of La Gomera because the valley is surrounded by steep cliffs and no roads have been made. On the way to Valle Gray Rey you can enjoy many beautiful viewpoints. In Valle Gran Rey is also a small town located named La Calera. This town has narrow streets and many shops and restaurants.

Jardin Botanico del Descubrimiento

Jardin Botanico del Descubrimiento are botanical gardens on the Northern part of La Gomera. At the Jardin Botanico del Descubrimiento different kinds of flora and fauna can be seen. At these gardens you can freely walk around and enjoy the beautiful nature. At the main building of Jardin Botanico del Descubrimiento is a restaurant and an exhibition which you can visit.

Casa Museo Colón

Location : Center of San Sebastian | Category : Culture and History

Casa Museo de Colon is a museum in the capital of La Gomera, San Sebastian. Casa Museo de Colon is located in a house where Columbus once lived. It’s said that here he discovered that the wind changed during the seasons which resulted in the famous journey to India. At the Casa Museo de Colon maps of the world, models of boats and local products are displayed.

Mirador Cesar Manrique

Mirador Cesar Manrique is a viewpoint on the Western part of La Gomera. The viewpoint is located at a height of approximately 0.5 mi and provides you with a beautiful view on the Valle Gran Rey valley. At the top of Mirador Cesar Manrique is a restaurant which has the same name as the viewpoint. Here you can enjoy a diner or have a drink while you enjoy the view which Mirador Cesar Manrique offers.

Benchijigua

Benchijigua is a nature park and a small village in central La Gomera. Only 2 people live at the village Benchijigua. The grounds surrouding Benchijigua are bought by a company from Norway. Because of the flora and fauna of Benchijigua this area is a protected. These surroundings are ideal to walk around and enjoy the beautiful nature.

Agulo

Agulo is a small town on the Northern part of La Gomera. Agulo is one of the oldest places on the island. According to many it’s also one of the most beautiful towns on La Gomera because of the many old colonial buildings and small authentic streets. The best known building in Agulo is most probably the church San Marco which has been designed by Pintor Y Ocete.

San Sebastian

Location : Centre San Sebastian | Category : Culture and History

San Sebastian is the capital of La Gomera. The center of San Sebastian is full of old monuments as for example the fortress Torre del Conde. Another sight in this city is the church Nuestra Senora de la Asunción. According to myths Columbus has prayed here. At the Plaza de las Americas in San Sebastian are many terraces and small bars where you can have a drink or diner.

El Cercado

El Cercado is a village located in the center of La Gomera. El Cercado is located in a beautiful rural surrounding. The village is mostly known for the pottery which has been perfected through many years and generations. Therefor it understandable that in the many stores in El Cercado you can buy all sorts of pottery as for example vases, pots and mugs

Activities

Boat trips
From the harbors of La Gomera multiple boat trips and excursions are offered. For example you can go dolphin watching or you can visit some of the beautiful nature spots which La Gomera has to offer as for example Los Organos.

Diving
The waters of La Gomera are ideal for diving. The temperature is all year between 65 and 72oF (18 to 22 oC). The South coast of La Gomera has a weak current, which makes it ideal for the starting diver. Valle Gran Rey and Playa Santiago have dive-schools where you can learn to dive and/or rent equipment. Diving excursions can be booked from approximately 70 euro. These prices do not include equipment. If you don’t own equipment you can rent them as well.

Walking
The beautiful nature and many characteristic places of La Gomera make the island ideal for walking holidays. La Gomera has many walking routes which include a lot of sights and tourist attractions of La Gomera.

Entertainment and Nightlife

La Gomera doesn’t have a vibrant nightlife. If you are looking for bars or nightclubs you can go to three locations on La Gomera; San Sebastian, Valle Gran Rey and Playa Santiago. On other locations on La Gomera the nightlife and entertainment mainly consists of dining and enjoying a drink or cocktail on a terrace or at a cocktail bar. In most cases you will also find entertainment at the hotels.

How to get there

You can reach La Gomera in 2 different ways; by plane or by boat.

Airplane
La Gomera has one airport near Playa Santiago. It is not possible to reach this airport directly. In most cases you have to transfer on Tenerife or Gran Canaria.

Boat
La Gomera has 2 locations which can be reach by boat, Valle Gran Rey and San Sebastian. The operators which offer crossings between the islands of the Canary Islands and La Gomera are Fred Olsen and Naviera Armas. They offer these crossings to La Gomera on a daily base.

Stay

Most people who visit La Gomera stay in Valle Gran Rey. Here you will find the most hotels and accommodations. Valle Gran Rey has a good mix of sights and tourist attractions and accommodations. Off course you will also find many accommodations in San Sebastian and Playa Santiago.